The Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening the primary healthcare system, citing the need for urgent reforms to tackle persistent challenges in the sector.
Dr. Jatau, who chairs the Steering Committee on Primary Healthcare, made this known while presiding over the committee’s third quarterly review meeting held in Gombe on Friday.
He expressed concern over the poor performance indicators recorded across several primary healthcare facilities, noting that such lapses were unacceptable and indicative of the committee’s need to intensify its efforts.
“I am not comfortable with the red indicators we’re seeing. They suggest we have not done enough,” Jatau said.
To address critical issues surrounding healthcare access in Tsangaya schools, the Deputy Governor announced the formation of a subcommittee chaired by Hon. Siddi Buba, Chairman of the House Committee on Health and Member representing Kwami West Constituency. The subcommittee is expected to assess the health conditions of Tsangaya schools and submit findings to the main committee for onward presentation to the governor.
Jatau also expressed displeasure over the non-attendance of eight local government chairmen, noting that only Dukku and Funakaye LG chairmen were present, while Balanga sent a representative. He directed the Ministry of Local Government to convey his disappointment to the absentees.
“The success of this committee and the vision of the state in delivering quality healthcare depend on the full participation of all stakeholders,” he stated.
Addressing the issue of child health and mortality, the Deputy Governor described the committee as having been “caught napping” and challenged female members to lead advocacy efforts, especially in encouraging early hospital visits during pregnancy.
“There is no point hiding pregnancies since they will eventually manifest. Early care can save lives,” he added.
Speaking on the enrolment of almajiris into the GoHealth programme, Hon. Siddi Buba described the enrolment of just over 1,000 almajiris as grossly inadequate. He called on the Special Adviser on Almajiris to scale up efforts to expand access to healthcare for children in Tsangaya schools.
In her remarks, Sayyada Amina Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, the Special Adviser on Almajiris, disclosed that over 234,000 almajiris have been registered in the state. She highlighted the need for mosquito nets, improved sanitation, and better living conditions in upgraded Tsangaya schools.
Representing the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru, the Acting Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Bello, said the meeting was aimed at evaluating progress from the previous quarter and identifying areas requiring further action.
Presentations were also made by officials of the Primary Healthcare Development Agency, including its Executive Secretary, Dr. Abdulrahman Shuaibu, and other technical staff, who reviewed progress on action points, shared updates on key performance indicators, and outlined strategies for the 2025 Measles-Rubella Integrated Campaign.
Also speaking, the Secretary of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) in Gombe, Alhaji Saleh Danburam, urged the government to pay urgent attention to health and environmental challenges in Tsangaya schools, particularly overcrowding, poor sanitation, and open defecation.
A representative of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Abdulrasheed Ado Abdullahi, acknowledged that while Gombe’s health indices show potential for improvement, the agency remained committed to supporting the state in achieving Universal Health Coverage.
Chairman of Funakaye Local Government Area, Shuaibu Abdulrahman Adamu, praised stakeholders for their commitment and pledged continued support from local governments toward achieving equitable and accessible healthcare for all residents.
